Asia Daily: October 21, 2023
News
‘Worried and fearful’: China’s move to amend state secrets law fuels concern among businesses. China's decision to revise its state secrets law has sparked unease within the business community. The impending changes could influence the operations of companies in China, especially concerning data sharing and transparency. Critics suggest the amendments might obstruct information flow and could be utilized against global firms. Vanessa Cai, South China Morning Post, October 20
Exclusive: US Army charges Private Travis King with desertion over dash into North Korea. The US Army has formally charged Private Travis King with desertion after he unexpectedly crossed into North Korean territory. This action sparked a period of diplomatic scrambling between the U.S. and North Korea, with Sweden and China also being involved. The circumstances surrounding King's decision remain unclear, raising speculations and prompting an investigation into potential external influences or pressures. Phil Stewart, Reuters, October 20
China and Russia plan to work together for a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians. In a joint initiative, China and Russia have expressed their intent to collaborate towards achieving a two-state solution to address the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict. Both nations emphasize the importance of peace in the Middle East and believe that this solution is essential for regional stability. The move highlights their growing influence in international diplomacy and their commitment to finding peaceful solutions to global challenges. The details of their plan and how they intend to implement it remain to be seen. AP News, October 20
UN nuclear agency team watches Japanese lab workers prepare fish samples from damaged nuclear plant. A team from the United Nations nuclear agency observed Japanese lab workers as they prepared fish samples taken from the vicinity of the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. The objective was to monitor radiation levels in marine life around the plant. This scrutiny is part of Japan's effort to demonstrate transparency in their measures to ensure public and environmental safety after the 2011 nuclear disaster. Mari Yamaguchi, AP News, October 20
U.S. envoy renews grave concerns over China's repatriation of N. Korean escapees. The U.S. special representative for North Korea expressed significant concerns regarding China's repatriation of North Korean escapees, emphasizing the potential human rights abuses they may face upon return. The envoy urged the international community to address this pressing issue and collaborate on strategies to ensure the safety of these escapees. Attribution to the author: Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, October 21
India to consider more LGBTQ rights but not legalising same-sex marriage, sources say. India is deliberating on expanding rights for its LGBTQ community, but sources indicate that the legalization of same-sex marriage will not be among the reforms. The discussions come in the wake of the country's landmark 2018 decision to decriminalize homosexuality. Advocates and activists have since been pushing for more inclusive rights, but the notion of same-sex marriage remains a contentious issue within Indian society. Rupam Jain, Reuters, October 20
Top Japan envoy eyes visit to Egypt for forum on Israel-Hamas war. Japan's Foreign Minister, Yoko Kamikawa, has planned a visit to Egypt to participate in a forum addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict. This potential visit showcases Japan's intent to be deeply involved in peace negotiations and its efforts to bolster ties with Middle Eastern nations. Such a visit would mark a significant step in Japan's diplomatic endeavors to contribute constructively to regional stability and peace. The Japan Times, October 20
PM seeks measures to boost economic, trade, and investment ties between ASEAN and Gulf countries. Vietnam's Prime Minister has called for strengthened collaboration between ASEAN member states and Gulf nations. In a recent meeting, the PM emphasized the significance of fostering economic, trade, and investment ties to unlock the vast potential between these regions. The discussion revolved around enhancing connectivity, supporting the business sector, and ensuring the sustainable and inclusive growth of both areas. Vietnam News, October 21
PM Lee explains importance for Singapore to maintain relations with Israelis and Palestinians, provide aid to civilians. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore has highlighted the importance of Singapore maintaining relations with both Israelis and Palestinians. Emphasizing the value of diplomacy, PM Lee noted the necessity of providing aid to civilians affected by conflicts in the region. Channel News Asia, October 20
Vietnam arrests rare earth industry officials, casting shadow over plans to rival China. Vietnamese authorities have detained several rare earth industry officials, raising concerns over the nation's ambitions to challenge China in the rare earth sector. The detentions come amid efforts to develop its domestic rare earth industry, with the aim of becoming a significant player in this strategic market. Khanh Vu and Francesco Guarascio, Reuters, October 20
Long Form
Responding to China and Russia’s Influence in the Militarization of Global Politics. China and Russia are enabling military coups and increasing military involvement in global politics to challenge the U.S.-led world order. Russia uses mercenary groups in Africa, while China subtly supports authoritarian regimes. Democracies are urged to counter this trend through international organizations and targeted aid. By Joshua Kurlantzick for Council on Foreign Relations, October 20
How Timor-Leste Escaped the Political Resource Curse. Timor-Leste has defied the "political resource curse" often associated with oil-rich nations, maintaining a stable democracy despite its dependence on hydrocarbon revenues. The country's political landscape, shaped by its struggle for independence, has fostered a commitment to democratic governance. International support has also played a constructive role, aiding in the transition to independence and institution-building without interfering in national politics. By Moritz Schmoll and Geoffrey Swenson for The Diplomat, October 20
China's Unspoken Deflation Challenge. Despite official denials, China is grappling with deflation, marked by a year-on-year decrease in both the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Producer Price Index (PPI). The deflationary trend is affecting various sectors, including industrial production and consumer spending, and poses risks of a downward economic spiral. Insufficient aggregate demand is cited as a major cause, and the situation is exacerbated by institutional issues and hesitant consumer behavior. By He-Ling Shi for East Asia Forum, October 21
Don't Count on China's Belt and Road Initiative to Disappear. Contrary to some predictions, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is not fading away but continues to evolve in alignment with Beijing's strategic goals. The initiative has expanded China's economic ties globally, focusing not just on traditional infrastructure but increasingly on digital technologies. The BRI's future is likely to emphasize the "Digital Silk Road," facilitating the global expansion of Chinese tech firms like Huawei and ZTE. By Jacob Gunter for The Diplomat, October 20